272 



WILD FOWL SHOOTING. 



half an inch, and the third by a quarter of an inch ; 

 secondaries, very broad and rounded, some of the inner 

 rather pointed. Tail, very short, graduated, of twenty- 

 four stiffish, moderately broad, pointed feathers, of 

 which the middle exceeds the lateral by 2 1-4 inches. 



Bill and feet, black ; the outer edges of the lower 

 mandible and the inside of the mouth yellowish flesh 

 color. The plumage is pure white, excepting the upper 

 part of the head, which varies from brownish red to 

 white, apparently without reference to age or sex ; 

 length to end of tail 68 inches ; bill along the ridge 

 4 7-12ths inches ; from the eye to the tip 6. 



In f the winter, the young has the bill black, with the 

 middle portion of the ridge to the length of 8 1-2 light 

 flesh color, and a large elongated patch of light, dim 

 purple on each side ; the edge of the lower mandible 

 and the tongue dull, yellowish flesh color. The eyes 

 dark brown. The feet dull yellowish brown tinged with 

 olive; the claws brownish black; the webs blackish 

 brown. The upper part of the head and cheeks are 

 light reddish brown, each feather having toward its 

 extremity a small oblong whitish spot, narrowly mar- 

 gined with dusky ; the throat nearly white, as well as 

 the edge of the lower eyelid. The general color of the 

 other parts is grayish white, slightly tinged with yellow ; 

 the upper part of the neck marked with spots similar 

 to those on the head. Length to end of tail 52 1-2 

 inches ; extent of wings, 91 ; weight, 19 Ibs. 8 oz. The 

 bird is very poor. 



In the Western States this noble bird is almost extinct ; 



